How the Times Square ball - which used to be made of iron and wood - has evolved over its 113-year history

Frank OlitoDec 29, 2020, 23:29 IST

Today's ball is much different from the first one in 1907.Noam Galai / Getty

The US celebrates New Year's Eve by watching the Times Square ball drop, but the ball hasn't always looked the same.
The tradition started in 1907, and the ball was originally made of iron and wood.
After six redesigns, today's ball weighs 11,875 pounds, is made of LED lights, and is adorned with crystals.

While some countries set off fireworks and smash plates to welcome the new year, the US turns to Times Square to celebrate New Year's Eve.

The Times Square ball drop has been a tradition for over a century and has always symbolized new beginnings and a fresh start. But the ball itself has changed dramatically over its 113-year history. It once weighed a mere 150 pounds, but now clocks in at an astonishing 11,875 pounds.

This year, there will be yet another dramatic change to the tradition: Times Square will be closed to the public on New Year's Eve due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the ball will still be the star of the show.

Keep reading to learn how the Times Square ball has changed over time while the tradition has stayed alive.

Before dropping a ball in Times Square, people would gather downtown at a church to ring bells.

New Year's celebrations originally took place at Trinity Church. New York Public Library

The first Times Square ball dropped in 1907 and was made of iron and wood.

The first ball dropped in Times Square in 1907. Library of Congress

In 1920, the ball was redesigned and made of wrought iron.

Times Square in 1921. New York Public Library

In 1942 and 1943, no ball was dropped in Times Square due to the war.

New York held a wartime "dim-out" in 1942. Tom Fitzsimmons/ AP

In 1955, the ball was recreated and made entirely of aluminum.

Russ Brown, superintendent of One Times Square, in front of the aluminum ball. AP

The aluminum ball was transformed into an apple during the 1980s.

The ball was turned into an apple in 1981. AP

When the campaign ended, the ball returned to its white light bulbs along with a few upgrades.

The ball in 1995. Bebeto Matthews/ AP

At the turn of the century, the Times Square ball was completely transformed and redesigned using crystals.

Times Square ball in 2000 is adorned with crystals. Lynsey Addario/ AP

In 2007, the ball was upgraded with LED lights.

The ball was given LED lights in 2007. Tina Fineberg/ AP

This year's ball is expected to be another showstopper despite major changes to the tradition.

This year's ball getting a facelift. Anadolu Agency / Getty

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